This lightweight moisturizer has a silky lotion texture centered around the anti-aging ingredient myristyl nicotinate. A derivative of nicotinic acid, a component of vitamin B3 (niacin) myristyl nicotinate isn't the same ingredient as niacinamide, yet functions in nearly the same manner (Source: www.naturaldatabase.com). There is research concerning myristyl nicotinate's ability to improve skin barrier function, mitigate signs of sun damage, and reduce dry skin, just like niacinamide, so again, the two are nearly indistinguishable.

Along with the anti-aging ingredient myristyl nicotinate, there are standard thickeners as well as a long series of plant extracts, antioxidants, and peptides, which, at least in theory, have cell-communicating ability and may be able to help skin produce healthy collagen. On balance, this moisturizer contains an impressive mix of beneficial ingredients, though the fragrance-free claim is bogus (did anyone at the company read this product's ingredient list, where "fragrance" is clearly indicated?).

What held this otherwise stellar moisturizer back from our top rating is a single ingredient, that being the plant extract Ocimum sanctum leaf. Also known as holy basil, the leaf portion of this plant contains several fragrance ingredients, including eugenol, which is a known irritant. The amount of holy basil in Present Perfect is potentially concerning, as it's toward the beginning of the ingredient list rather than being nicely settled in a "mere dusting" amount at the end.

As with many fragrant plant extracts, holy basil has antioxidant benefits, but we prefer plant-based antioxidants that don't put skin at risk of irritation from chemical constituents like eugenol and its "cousin", methyl eugenol. This ingredient's presence isn't a deal-breaker, but without it we would've had no qualms assigning a BEST rating—and the price for what you get, which might seem high to some, is actually quite reasonable.

Note: This moisturizer contains cosmetic pigments, including mica, which lend a subtle tint and shine to the complexion. If possible, test this out in store to see if you like the result, as it can make oily areas look oilier.

Pros:

Lightweight, silky texture hydrates without a greasy feel.

Loaded with beneficial ingredients.

Capable of fighting early signs of aging and improving the appearance of wrinkles.

Cons:

The plant extract Ocimum sanctum leaf is a source of fragrance irritant eugenol.

Not fragrance-free as claimed.

Claims

Fight the early signs of aging and prevent wrinkles. Rich in protective antioxidants and skin nourishing ingredients, this oil-free and fragrance-free lightweight wrinkle cream treats the onset of skin aging. It prevents wrinkles by targeting first lines and fighting against causes of visible aging, both offensively and defensively.

Weaknesses: Expensive; The original (and now the "improved" StriVectin-SD product (and every other product sold under this brand name) is absolutely not better than Botox; some of the products contain irritant peppermint oil; the Deep Wrinkle serum is terrible.

We had previously written about the original StriVectin-SD, when a reader asked about its ability to repair stretch marks. That was StriVectin's initial claim to fame, though the fame was all self-promoted, as there is not a single independent, peer-reviewed study to prove that StriVectin is an effective option for repairing stretch marks. The studies that do exist about StriVectin's benefits for stretch marks were paid for by Klein-Becker, the company that distributes StriVectin (and is associated with Bremenn Research Labs, which has a growing history of trouble with the FDA and various watchdog advertising organizations).

According to the company's ads, they were surprised to find that not only was StriVectin-SD getting rid of women's stretch marks, but also that somehow their facial wrinkles were going away, too. This discovery lead to the astounding "antiwrinkle breakthrough of the decade." What followed were the now-famous magazine ads that posed the question of whether StriVectin was "Better Than Botox?" Not surprisingly, this ad captured the attention of millions of people concerned with mitigating signs of aging "without painful injections".

Regrettably, no supportive research needs to be available to sell this kind of hyperbole. All it takes is to promise women that a product will get rid of their wrinkles and they will buy it in droves, no matter how many other product lines, infomercials, advertisements, or cosmetics salespeople pledge the exact same thing. StriVectin isn't and was never "better than Botox"!

Of course, now the original, lauded StriVectin-SD product has been replaced by what the company describes as a "super-charged comprehensive skin repair cream for stretch marks, wrinkles, and aging skin". It seems there's no aging skin concern this product cannot address, but as it turns out, the updated formula presents the same drawbacks as the original, although it is arguably a better formulation (just not for stretch marks).

As for the rest of the StriVectin line, it contains proportionately more misses than hits. It isn't the anti-wrinkle answer and in fact some of their products contain the type of irritating ingredients that hurt your skin's ability to look and function in a younger manner.

The Beautypedia Research Team is dedicated to helping you find the absolute best products for your skin, using research-based criteria to review beauty products from an honest, balanced perspective. Each member of the team was personally trained by Paula Begoun herself.

This product is working very well esp for this time of year (winter, dry, cold)- I live in the Rockies. When I started using this cream, my face got soft & dewy in 2 days. I apply either PC's Resist SL Daily Wrinkle Defense or PC's All Bases Covered foundation over it during day. I use B's & C's during day. My face does get flush upon application for a couple minutes, then goes away. No side effects or adverse reactions.